Lumbar Body Research Articles

Evaluating lumbar disc degeneration by MRI quantitative metabolic indicators: the perspective of factor analysis

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate an early diagnostic method for lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) and improve its diagnostic accuracy.MethodsQuantitative biomarkers of the lumbar body (LB) and lumbar discs (LDs) were obtained using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection technology. The diagnostic weights of each biological metabolism indicator were screened using the factor analysis method.ResultsThrough factor analysis, common factors such as the LB fat fraction, fat content, and T2* value of LDs were identified as covariates for the diagnostic model for the evaluation of LDD. This model can optimize the accuracy and reliability of LDD diagnosis.ConclusionThe application of biomarker quantification methods based on NMR detection technology combined with factor analysis provides an effective means for the early diagnosis of LDD, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and reliability.

Modeling the Effect of Annulus Fibrosus Stiffness on the Stressed State of a Vertebral L1 Body and Nucleus Pulposus.

The investigation examines the transference of stiffness from intervertebral discs (IVDs) to the lumbar body of the L1 vertebra and the interactions among adjacent tissues. A computational model of the vertebra was developed, considering parameters such as cortical bone thickness, trabecular bone elasticity, and the nonlinear response of the nucleus pulposus to external loading. A nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed, revealing certain trends: a heightened stiffness of the annulus fibrosus correlates with a significant reduction in the vertebral body's ability to withstand external loading. At a supplied displacement of 6 mm, the vertebra with a degenerative disc reached its yielding point, whereas the vertebrae with a healthy annulus fibrosus exhibited a strength capacity exceeding 20%. The obtained findings and proposed methodology are potentially useful for biomedical engineers and clinical specialists in evaluating the condition of the annulus fibrosus and predicting its influence on the bone components of the spinal system.

Finite element study on three osteotomy methods for treating thoracolumbar osteoporotic fracture vertebral collapse complicated with neurological dysfunction.

Surgical methods for patients with osteoporotic fracture vertebral collapse complicated with neurological dysfunction are still a topic of debate. We designed an improved osteotomy for the treatment of osteoporotic compression fracture patients with neurological dysfunction. Compared with traditional osteotomy methods such as pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and bone-disc-bone osteotomy (BDBO), the osteotomy range is reduced. Therefore, we use a finite element method to analyze the biomechanical conditions of these three osteotomy methods and provide a mechanical theoretical basis for the surgical treatment of these three osteotomy methods. Based on the CT scan of a patient with L1 osteoporotic fracture vertebral collapse and neurological dysfunction, the finite element model was constructed by importing Mimics software, and three different osteotomy models were established. The forces and displacements of internal fixation device, T1-L5 whole segment, T10 vertebral body, and T10/11 intervertebral disc were recorded under different working conditions. The displacement levels of internal fixation device, T1-L5 spine, T10 vertebral body, and T10/11 intervertebral disc in the modified osteotomy group were between BDBO group and PSO group. The stress in BDBO group was concentrated in titanium mesh and its maximum stress was much higher than that in PSO group and modified osteotomy group. The mechanical distribution of T10/11 intervertebral disc showed that the maximum stress distribution of the three osteotomy methods was similar. The relatively simple modified osteotomy has certain advantages in stress and displacement. In contrast, the stability of BDBO group was poor, especially in the lumbar intervertebral disc and lumbar body. For this type of osteotomy patients, it is recommended to avoid postoperative flexion so as not to increase the load.

Radiological Findings of the Lumbar Spine in High School and Collegiate Sumo Wrestlers.

Sumo wrestling is a traditional sport in Japan and becoming popular worldwide. Risk factors for lower back injuries in sumo wrestlers are heavier weight and larger body mass index (BMI). The mawashi (loincloth belt) worn by sumo wrestlers has been shown to restrict motion of the lumbar spine. To study the effects of sumo wrestling on the lumbar spine of high school and freshmen collegiate wrestlers, investigating the relationship between radiological findings, wearing of the mawashi during training, and lower back symptoms. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. From 2001 to 2017, a total of 197 members of the Japanese Sumo Federation (55 high school and 142 college freshman students) underwent routine radiographic examination of their lumbar spines and answered a questionnaire regarding lumbar symptoms. Wrestlers were classified as symptomatic and asymptomatic based on responses to a custom questionnaire. We used the unpaired t test to evaluate patient demographics and the chi square test to analyze radiographic lumbar spine abnormalities between symptomatic and asymptomatic wrestlers. The wrestlers' mean height, weight, BMI, and duration in the sport were 174.0 ± 6.7 cm, 107.1 ± 22.4 kg, 35.2 ± 6.4, and 8.0 ± 3.2 years, respectively. There were 91 participants in the symptomatic group (46.2%) and 106 (53.8%) in the asymptomatic group. Ten wrestlers (5.1%) had osteophyte formations in the lumbar body; 8 of the 11 osteophytes (72.7%) appeared in the upper lumbar spine. Of the total, 48 wrestlers (24.4%) had deformities (Schmorl nodules) in the lumbar body, and 23 of 50 (46.0%) and 10 of 16 (62.5%) deformities were found in the upper lumbar spine of collegiate and high school wrestlers, respectively. Five wrestlers of the total 197 athletes (2.5%) had disc space narrowing in the lumbar body, with 3 of the 5 cases of disc space narrowing (60.0%) found in the upper lumbar spine. Spondylolysis in the lumbar body was found in 25 wrestlers (12.7%); 19 of the 91 symptomatic wrestlers (20.9%) had spondylolysis, compared with 6 of the 106 (5.7%) asymptomatic wrestlers (P = .0028). Almost one-third of sumo wrestlers had ≥1 abnormal radiological finding in the lumbar spine. There was a significant relationship between symptomatic wrestlers and spondylolysis.

Accurately evaluating for a small bowel obstruction using an abdominal radiograph, by a new method: The Bowel-Spine Ratio

IntroductionA well-established method does not exist to rule out a small bowel obstruction using an abdominal xray series with significant accuracy. The hypothesis of the study is that the ratio of an average small bowel diameter to lumbar spine diameter over 0.5 is most likely a small bowel obstruction. MethodsAn x-ray abdominal series measurement technique was applied to 41 subjects with a chief complaint of “abdominal pain” as part of a randomized retrospective case review to predict an obstruction v. non obstruction. A total number of 81 abdominal pain subjects with a mean age of 46.7 years were selected with 40 excluded due to normal small bowel gas pattern. The subject's medical information was unknown to the authors when reading their images. The measurement technique involved averaging the largest and smallest small bowel short axis diameters with comparison to the lowest clearly visible lumbar body width. The subjects' medical course as described in the medical chart or subsequent computed tomography scans were used as the referencing standard to determine presence of obstruction vs non-obstruction. ResultsThis method, called the Bowel-Spine Ratio (BSR), resulted in a sensitivity of 0.882 (0.622–0.979; 95% CI), specificity of 0.957 (0.760–0.998; 95% CI), accuracy of 94.7% (80.9%–99.1%; 95% CI) and a positive likelihood ratio of 21 for predicting a small bowel obstruction. ConclusionThe abdominal series Bowel-Spine Ratio is a simple yet effective technique to screen for a small bowel obstruction using limited resources and to avoid unnecessary computed tomography scans with the potential to reduce health care costs. Implications for practice: Clinicians could have increased confidence in utilizing abdominal radiographs to evaluate for small bowel obstruction.

New Zealand cricket injury analysis based on 12 years of Accident Compensation Corporation data

ObjectivesTo provide epidemiological data for cricket injuries in New Zealand.MethodsA retrospective analytical review using epidemiological cricket data obtained from the national Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) for 2005–2016. Injury incidence was...

Colorectal cancer pain upon diagnosis and after treatment: a cross-sectional comparison with healthy matched controls

BackgroundThe current study sought to explore whether cancer pain (CP) already exists in patients at colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis before treatment compared with patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) after treatment and a healthy matched control group. The study also sought to examine whether factors related to physical health status could enhance pain processes.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted following the STROBE checklist. Twenty-nine newly diagnosed and forty post-treatment patients with CRC and 40 healthy age/sex-matched controls were included for comparison. Pain, local muscle function, and body composition outcomes were assessed by a physiotherapist with > 3 years of experience. ANCOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed, with Bonferroni and Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc analyses and Cohen’s d and Hedge’s effect size, as appropriate.ResultsThe analysis detected lower values of pressure pain threshold (PPT) points, the PPT index, and abdominal strength and higher values of self-reported abdominal pain in newly diagnosed patients, with even more marked results observed in the post-treatment patients, where lower lean mass and skeletal muscle index values were also found than those in the healthy matched controls (p < 0.05). In the post-treatment and healthy matched control groups, positive associations were observed between the PPT lumbar dominant side points and abdominal isometric strength and lean mass, and negative associations were observed between the lumbar dominant side points and body fat (p < 0.05).ConclusionUpon diagnosis, patients with CRC already show signs of hyperalgesia and central sensitization and deteriorated physical conditions and body composition, and this state could be aggravated by subsequent treatments.

Postoperative outcomes of posterior corrective surgery with transforaminal lumbar body fusion for adult spine deformity

Postoperative outcomes of posterior corrective surgery with transforaminal lumbar body fusion for adult spine deformity

Effects of Breast and Prostate Cancer Metastases on Lumbar Spine Biomechanics: Rapid In Silico Evaluation.

Metastases to distant organs are a frequent occurrence in cancer diseases. The skeletal system, especially the spine, is one such organ. The objective of this study was to apply a numerical modeling, using a finite element method (FEM), for the evaluation of deformation and stress in lumbar spine in bone metastases to the spine. We investigated 20 patients (10 women and 10 men) aged 38-81years. In women, osteolytic lesions in lumbar spine accompanied breast cancer, in men it was prostate cancer. Geometry of FEM models were built based on CT scans of metastatic lumbar spine. We made the models for osteolytic metastases, osteosclerotic metastases, and metastases after surgery. Images were compared. We found a considerable concentration of strain, especially located in the posterior part of the vertebral body. In osteolytic lesions, the strain was located below the vertebral body with metastases. In osteosclerotic lesions, the strain was located in the anterior and posterior parts in and below the vertebral body with metastases. Surgery abolished the pathological strain. We conclude that metastases to the lumbar spine introduce a pathological strain on the lumbar body. The immobilization of the vertebral body around fractures abolished the strain.

Effect of loading on occurrence of vertebral body changes in field hockey players

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to assess the effects of loading on the deformation of the vertebral body of the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5), which are subjected to considerable stress in field hockey players. MethodsRelevant geometric variables measured by magnetic resonance imaging were compared between two groups of field hockey players. A total of 24 male field hockey players were enrolled in the study. The study participants were assigned to one of two groups, based on their experience with playing hockey: under 5 years, junior group; over 5 years, senior group.Several geometric variables relevant to physical activity-specific stress were measured: lumbar body index, compression deformity ratio, biconcave deformity ratio, and anterior wedge deformity ratio. ResultsThe results indicated a significant difference between the two groups with respect to the compression deformity ratio at three levels (L1, L2, and L4), and to the Lumbar body Index at two levels (L1, L2). DiscussionOur data suggest that the mechanical loading on lower spine plays an important role in the development of degenerative changes of the vertebral body, which may be considered a risk factor for future injury and low back pain in hockey players.

Influence of Physiological Loading on the Lumbar Spine of National Level Athletes in Different Sports.

The lumbar spine is subjected to considerable stress during many athletic efforts. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of physiological loading on the lumbar spine in national male players of different games, which may be predictive of the future development of low back pain and injury symptoms. Thirty-four national players (12 cricket players, 12 field hockey players, and 10 basketball players) underwent magnetic resonance imaging, and selected geometric variables including intervertebral disc angles, the Farfan ratio, the lumbar body index, the compression deformity ratio, the biconcave deformity ratio and the anterior wedge deformity ratio were measured using KINOVEA-0.8.15 software and syngo fast view software and calculated using specific formulas. The results indicated a significant difference in the intervertebral disc angle between the three groups at the L2/3, L3/4 and L4/5 levels. In relation to the lumbar vertebral body shape and size, significant differences were found in the lumbar index at the L2 level, in the biconcave deformity at the L1 and L2 levels and in relation to the anterior wedge deformity at L2 between the three selected groups. Our data suggest that the different physiological loadings in the selected sports play an important role in the development of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, which may be considered a risk factor for future injury and/or low back pain in each specific sport because of the unique demands of each discipline.

Identifying Spinal Injury Patterns in Underbody Blast to Develop Mechanistic Hypotheses.

A retrospective case series of UK victims of blast injury. To identify the injury patterns in the spine caused by under-vehicle blast, and attempt to derive the mechanism of those injuries. The Improvised Explosive Device has been a feature of recent conflicts with frequent attacks on vehicles, leading to devastating injuries. Vehicle design has evolved to reduce the risk of injury to occupants in underbody blast, where the device detonates beneath the vehicle. The mechanism of spinal injury in such attacks is not well understood; understanding the injury mechanism is necessary to produce evidence-based mitigation strategies. A Joint Theatre Trauma Registry search identified UK victims of blast between 2008 and 2013. Each victim had their initial scan reviewed to classify spinal fractures. Seventy-eight victims were identified, of whom 53 were survivors. There were a total of 284 fractures, including 101 thoracolumbar vertebral body fractures and 39 cervical spine fractures. Most thoracolumbar fractures were wedge compression injuries. Most cervical spine fractures were compression-extension injuries.The most common thoracic and lumbar body fractures in this group suggest a flexed posture at the time of injury. Most cervical spine fractures were in extension, which might be compatible with the head having struck another object. Modifying the seated posture might reduce the risk of thoracolumbar injury, or allow the resulting injury patterns to be controlled. Cervical spine injuries might be mitigated by changing vehicle design to protect the head. N/A.

Characterization of normal lumbar spine in Sudanese population using magnetic resonance images

Introduction: Various medical imaging technique used in radiology to investigate the anatomy and physiology of the body in both health and disease. The main principle of magnetic resonance images (MRI) use strong magnetic field and radio waves to form an image for a certain area in the human body. The technique widely used in the hospital for medical diagnosis. In clinical practice, the MRI is employed for the assessment of lower back in the human body. Knowledge of lumbar the spine character is important for the clinical assessment of spine diseases. Materials and Methods: This study consisted Fifty nine consecutive patients gender both males and females Ages between 18-45 years adult with no known history of lumbar spine diseases underwent lumbar spine MRI sagittal T1, T2-weighted images. MRI machine 1.5 Tesla was used the selected sequences were Scout: axial sagittal, and coronal. Objective: The aims of this study were to establish a normal range of values for lumbar spine length (high) and classify the signal intensities by use of MRI for normal Sudanese adult with no known history of lumbar spine diseases. Result: Of this study revealed Correlation between measurement of the lumbar spine and body indices. The data were expressed as means ± standard deviation (S.D). Lumbar spine length (high) and signal intensity were analyzed as combine group (male + female) as well as the total sample. The data statistical analyses were performed using excel software programmed and statistical analyses were performed using the independent sample t -test, simple correlation (SPSS software version 20 USA) statistical significance was assumed at P . Conclusion: The lumbar spine length (high) for Sudanese adult were found to be in the ranges of (13.8-23.4) cm with mean = 16.9 ± 1.7 S.D. the signal intensities for lumbar spine in MRI fast spin echo image (FSE) were found to be in the ranges (61-163) pixel value (45-110) pixel value for vertebrae and inter vertebral disc respectively.

Head partitions at the feed barrier affect behaviour of goats

Space allowance at the feeding places often forces goats to feed in close proximity, that is, less than their individual distances. In consequence, agonistic behaviour may increase as well as stress and injuries, while access to feed may decrease, especially in low-ranking goats. Partitions between single feeding places may reduce individual distances and may enhance the acceptance of goats feeding close by. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of non-transparent head partitions at the feed barrier on agonistic behaviour, activity budget, feeding place occupancy, adrenocortical activity, nutritional status (body weight and body condition), and injuries in loose-housed dairy goats.The study involved 72 pregnant dairy goats of the German Improved Fawn breed. Two groups of 36 animals each were tested in a cross-over design. At the beginning, one group was provided with head partitions at a wooden palisade feed barrier, whereas the other group stayed without head partitions. After 11 experimental days, the head partitions were switched to the other group. Social interactions were recorded for 13h and 20min per treatment (2h and 40min on 5 days each group). Activity budget and feeding place occupancy were observed via scan sampling for 48h per treatment. Body weight, body condition score, and occurrence of injuries were assessed, and faeces were sampled for analysis of cortisol metabolites. Data were analysed by Wilcoxon-tests for dependent data, except for feeding place occupancy, where t-tests were used. Goats displayed less agonistic behaviour in the feeding area with head partitions at the feed barrier (p=0.003). In addition, with head partitions a lower number of displacements from feeding place by an actor standing inside the feed barrier was found (p=0.002). The impact was most pronounced in low-ranking animals (p=0.009), but effects were also found in middle-ranking goats (p=0.030). Low-ranking goats were observed less often feeding (p=0.009) and more often lying (p=0.026) during the first hour after feed supply with head partitions. With head partitions more goats were feeding directly next to each other, i.e. without an empty feeding place in between (p=0.017). Regarding the nutritional status of the goats, the lumbar body condition scores were higher in high-ranking animals with head partitions (p=0.007). Presence of head partitions had no effect on sternal body condition scores, body weight, concentrations of faecal cortisol metabolites, and occurrence of injuries. In summary, non-transparent head partitions seemed to reduce the accepted distance between goats and therefore showed beneficial effects in terms of lower levels of social disturbances during feeding. Thus, head partitions can be recommended for feed barriers in goat loose-housing systems.

Frequency of Counterstrain Tender Points in Osteopathic Medical Students

Counterstrain is 1 osteopathic manipulative treatment technique taught to osteopathic medical students, but teaching all 300 counterstrain tender points is not feasible at most colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) because of time limitations. To identify high-yield tender points in osteopathic medical students for teaching and to assess for correlations between tender points and demographic information, weight, and history of pain or trauma. First- and second-year osteopathic medical students at 5 COMs were surveyed regarding the presence and absence of tender points found on themselves by fellow students. Demographic information, weight, and history of pain and trauma data were collected. The McNemar test was used to compare the frequency of positive tender points between the right and left sides. Multiple logistic regression models were fit to the data to determine if participant characteristics were related to having 1 or more positive tender points in a tender point group. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the percentage of positive anterior vs posterior tender points. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test for differences between COMs after accounting for differences in participant characteristics. Frequency of 78 tender point groups was obtained. Forty tender point groups (51%) were positive for the presence of 1 or more tender points by 50% or more of the participants. Positive tender points were more common on the right side for 23 groups (all P<.001). Female participants were more likely to have tender points for 22 groups (all P<.001). The 20- to 25-year-olds had more tender points for 6 groups (all P≤.03). Tender points were more common in participants with a history of pain for 29 groups (all P<.001) and with a history of trauma for 4 groups (all P≤.05). Anterior tender points were more common for cervical, thoracic, rib, and lumbar body regions (P<.001). Differences were found between COMs for all tender point groups (P≤.02). Nearly half of the tender point groups surveyed were reported positive by 50% or more of participants, and high-yield tender points were found in each body region. Ultimately, these results may guide counterstrain curricula for COMs.

Langzeitergebnisse nach Hybridstabilisierung inkompletter Berstungsfrakturen der thorakolumbalen Wirbelsäule des älteren Patienten

To offer a correct treatment strategy for osteoporotic vertebral body fractures remains a huge challenge in modern spine surgery. In the years 2002 and 2003 5 patients with incomplete burst fractures (AO type A3.1) of the thoracolumbar spine were included in this study (4 men, 1 woman, average age: 62.6 years, follow-up rate: 100 %). All 5 were treated by kyphoplasty and additional dorsal bisegmental instrumentation. Unlike today, dorsal instrumentation was done without cement augmentation. Inclusion criteria were age above 60 years, an adequate trauma, and a fracture between thoracic body 11 and lumbar body 3. Data acquisition was performed prospectively before and after the operation, after 3, 6, 12, 18 months, and after 5 years, including visual analogue scale (VAS) spine score, spinal function score, X-ray examination or in cases of complaints or limited assessability a CT examination, and SF 36 score after 5 years. As comparison group, we used 4 patients, suffering the same fracture type with a similar fracture location (1 man, 3 women, average age: 67.3 years), who were treated with kyphoplasty alone during the same time period. No clinically relevant intra- and postoperative complications were registered in our study group. The operative bisegmental kyphotic reduction was slightly higher in our study group. Afterwards the correction loss was 9.8° in our study group, exceeding the reduction by 3.6°, whereas the comparison group suffered from a correction loss of 11.8°, exceeding the operative reduction by 8.5°, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were registered with respect of physical component summary (PSC), mental component summary (MSC) score and VAS spine score. Both groups had comparable PSC and MSC scores to a norm group of the same age. After 5 years the therapy concept seems to be of low risk and not being associated with major complications. The PCS and MCS scores are comparable to a norm group of the same age. The correction loss exceeded the operative reduction marginally but turned out to be slightly lower compared to that of an isolated kyphoplasty.

Delayed Neurologic Deficit due to Foraminal Stenosis following Osteoporotic Late Collapse of a Lumbar Spine Vertebral Body

We report an 85-year-old woman with an L3 vertebral body fracture who presented with back pain, bilateral leg pain, and weakness after four months of conservative treatment. Because of unstable pseudoarthrosis, the L3 vertebral body collapsed in the standing position and the L3 nerve root was compressed. The indicated surgery decompressed the L3-L4 foramen and fused the unstable segment. The back pain and neurologic symptoms improved significantly following surgery. We propose that delayed neurologic deficit following an osteoporotic fracture of the lumbar body may be caused not only by retropulsion of vertebral body fragments with significant canal compromise, but also by foraminal stenosis with the late collapse of the vertebral fracture. This new pathomechanism for delayed neurologic deficit has not been previously described. If a collapse takes place in the caudal part of the vertebral body below the base of the pedicle, spine surgeons should be aware of the possibility of foraminal stenosis.

S.P.49 Cautions regarding subcapital whole body DXA scan interpretation among boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

Abstract Lumbar and subcapital whole body Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans are recommended for monitoring bone mass (BMD) in boys with DMD. Complications of DMD and corticosteroids include: obesity, contractures, loss of ambulation and fractures contributing to errors in subcapital DXA accuracy and reproducibility. DXA scans in DMD boys frequently contain technical artifacts influencing BMD interpretation. We report the frequency of positioning and acquisition issues influencing subcapital DXA scan interpretation of DMD boys. Subcapital DXA scans (n = 189) of 64 DMD boys on Deflazacort were reviewed for motion artifact, contractures, obesity, suboptimal positioning, missing body segments, and orthopaedic hardware. Artifact-free scans with optimal positioning were obtained in the 64 boys when ambulatory, age 8.1 ± 2.2, BMI 16.7 ± 2.3 and 18.9 ± 3.9% subcapital body fat. 25% of the boys (16/64) when non-ambulatory, age 16.1 ± 2.1 had scans with motion artifact. 47% of the boys (30/64) developed contractures precluding optimal positioning. 14% of the boys (9/64) age 17.0 ± 2.5 when non-ambulatory, BMI 28.3 ± 4.0 and 52.8 ± 5.9% subcapital body fat had scans missing body segments; 6/9 missing digits, 1/9 both elbows, 1/9 ulna and 1/9 foot. 8% of the boys (5/64) age 17.1 ± 2.8 had hardware which increased BMD (g/cm2) from 8% to 124% (52.3 ± 50.6%) from their previous hardware-free scan. In general there are no technical issues with subcapital DXA in young ambulatory boys with DMD. As boys with DMD age, subcapital DXA scans contain a higher frequency of scan acquisition and interpretation errors from multiple sources. Attention to positioning for scan acquisition and analysis of scans in array mode may limit the potential for reproducibility and accuracy errors. Despite technical limitations DXA can identify boys with high fat mass and fracture risk. Future studies should compare the diagnostic yield of serial pQCT to DXA, to avoid the technical pitfalls of subcapital DXA.

Osteoporotic Characteristics Persist in the Spine of Ovariectomized Sheep after Withdrawal of Corticosteroid Administration

A validated ovine model of osteoporosis achieves severe bone loss in a relatively short period. This study investigated if osteoporotic features persist in this model after cessation of corticosteroid administration. Methods. Osteoporosis was induced in nine ewes by chronic corticosteroid injection, ovariectomy, and low calcium diet. Six ewes were used as controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and body weight were assessed at regular intervals. After five months, corticosteroid treatment was withdrawn systematically over one month. Three months later, all animals were euthanised, and the LS was collected for histomorphometric analysis. Results. BMD in the LS of osteoporotic sheep was 25% lower than control sheep. Body weight of osteoporotic sheep was reduced in the first month of the corticosteroid withdrawal period but returned to baseline level thereafter. Trabecular bone volume of LS in osteoporotic sheep was 27% lower than controls and showed a heterogeneous structure. Conclusions. Osteoporotic characteristics remain in the vertebra after ceasing corticosteroid administration providing an opportunity to evaluate potential systemic or local treatments in vivo under realistic physiological conditions. The microstructural arrangement of vertebral trabecular bone in sheep is similar to humans demonstrating further relevance of this model for preclinical investigations.

Bone Mineral Density of Adolescent Female Tennis Players and Nontennis Players

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in bone mineral density (BMD) among adolescent female tennis players (TPs) and nontennis players (NTPs) and to assess body composition as a predictor variable of BMD. Nineteen female TPs and 19 female NTPs, ages 14 to 18 years, participated in this study. Lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, forearms BMD, and body composition were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Lumbar spine and total hip BMD measurements for TP were greater than NTP. However, these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.37 and 0.12, resp.). TP had significantly greater femoral neck BMD than NTPs (P = 0.02). This difference might play an important role in preventing osteoporosis and decreasing the risk of fractures at the hip later in life.